Following the arrest of five people for malicious damage to property during a land invasion attempt in Waterfall Park Estate on 24 March, Midrand Reporter met with property development company Attacq.
The company leases the land and is the developers of Waterfall Estate and Mall of Africa. The company’s chief operations officer Jackie van Niekerk said the land that was invaded had been earmarked for industrial purposes. She added that the company was re-erecting the fence that was damaged during the invasion and had obtained an urgent interdict on 26 March to evict anyone attempting to invade the land.
“We don’t have clear information on who the land invaders are but we have been in contact with the police. We have also put up notices on the land to stop trespassers,” said Van Niekerk.
According to Midrand Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Matome Tlamela, the people arrested were not linked to any political party and were residents of Alexandra. About 80 people attempted the land grab.
“A police officer who was wearing civilian clothes spotted the invaders,” said Tlamela.
“He witnessed the five suspects damaging the razor wire fence that was erected around the land and removing the fencing poles from the ground. He warned them to stop but they resisted. He then called for backup.”
The damage caused was estimated at R50 000.
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